How to Determine if an X-ray is Ready for Submission?

What is PACS?

PACS stands for Picture Archiving and Communication System. It is a digital computer system that manages and transmits medical reports of patients. It plays an integral role in our healthcare organisations today, where we can recover, store, and display images of our patients within our radiographic clinics.

Submitting comprimised X-ray images to PACS can cause a disruption to the patient care as it can lead to misdiagnoses by the radiologists. This is why radiographers have a central and significant role in delievering these high quality images to best answer the medical condition at question.

After the radiographer takes the image, it is their responsibility to assess and send through the images to PACS.

The first stage is:

Assessing Image Quality

• Contrast and Density: We have to ensure that the image displays appropriate contrast between different tissues. For instance, bones should appear distinct from surrounding soft tissues.
• Sharpness: Check for clear visualisation of anatomical structures without blurring. Motion artifacts can reduce sharpness and should be minimized.
• Exposure Levels: Verify that the image is neither overexposed nor underexposed. Proper exposure settings are crucial for optimal image quality.

Identifying and Rectifying Artifacts

• External Artifacts: Look for unwanted objects like clothing, jewelry, or medical devices that may obscure anatomy.
• Technical Artifacts: Be vigilant for issues such as grid lines, software errors, or detector faults that can degrade image quality.

Utilising Quality Control Tools

• Checklists: If you are a newbie in the field of medical imaging, this is a helpful tip in gaining confidence in the post-processing of an image. Try to implement a standardised checklist to ensure all the quality parameters are reviewed consistently.
• Peer Review: If you are unsure, it is encouraged to reach out – whether it be the course lecturers, or the neighbouring radiographers within our clinical internship . This will help you gain an insight into whether you are on the right track. Remember asking questions fosters learning – never ever doubt your questions – even if it is the silliest question!

Continuous Education

• Training Programs: Participate in workshops and courses focused on image quality assessment and artifact recognition.
• Staying Updated: Keep abreast of technological advancements and best practices in radiography to enhance image evaluation skills.

ADD IMAGES HERE!